How long do trademark renewals last?
Asked by: Joelle Maggio | Last update: July 8, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (62 votes)
A US trademark renewal lasts for 10 years. Following the initial 5–6 year maintenance filing, renewals are required every 10 years (e.g., years 10, 20, 30) to keep the registration active. As long as the mark remains in active use in commerce and renewal fees are paid, a trademark can be renewed indefinitely.
How long is a trademark renewal good for?
First renewal: Between 5 and 6 years after your initial registration. Second renewal: At the 10-year mark. Every renewal after that: Every 10 years indefinitely.
Can trademarks be renewed and last indefinitely?
A trademark's lifespan can extend indefinitely after the date of registration as long as you continue to use it. This doesn't mean that registering a trademark is a one-and-done deal. You will need to continually renew your trademark every set number of years to extend a trademark's lifespan.
What is the time limit for trademark renewal?
Trademark registration renewal with the USPTO is required at specific intervals to keep your mark active. Initial maintenance is due between the 5th and 6th year, followed by renewal every 10 years after registration (years 9–10, 19–20, etc.). A 6-month grace period is available for an extra fee.
How long is a TM good for?
A registered trademark can last indefinitely. Unlike patents or copyrights, trademarks do not expire after a set number of years. They last as long as the mark remains in active use in commerce and you consistently meet maintenance requirements.
How Long Does a Trademark Last? Trademark Renewal & Maintenance
Can you renew an expired trademark?
There is a 6-month grace period within which you may still be able to file a renewal if the additional fee for a late filing is included when you attempt to renew a trademark. The services of California trademark attorneys will help you manage all your trademark renewals so you do not miss these important dates.
Which is better, TM or R?
Each letter represents the type of legal rights the mark is protected by. A mark followed by a TM (™) indicates a common law trademark, while R (®) represents the more formal registered trademark.
What happens if you don't renew your trademark?
If you miss the 10-year renewal, the registration is canceled, and you must start over. Once a trademark expires, time matters. The longer you wait, the greater the risk that someone else claims or registers your mark.
What is the fee for trademark renewal?
The official fee for trademark renewal in India is INR 9000/- for filing application for trademark renewal in one class. The official fee for filing trademark renewal with surcharge is INR 4500/- (surcharge) plus the trademark renewal fee.
Can I use TM without registering?
Yes, you can use the ™ (trademark) symbol without registering your mark with the USPTO. The ™ symbol signifies that you are claiming ownership of a name, logo, or slogan under "common law". You cannot, however, use the registered symbol (®) until your mark is officially registered.
What is the rule 37 for trademark?
- An applicant for registration of a trademark may, whether before or after acceptance of his application but before the registration of the trademark, apply in Form TM-M accompanied by the prescribed fee for the correction of any error in or in connection with his application or any amendment of his application: ...
What happens when a trademark expires?
When a trademark expires, the owner loses exclusive rights and federal protection for their brand, allowing competitors to potentially use or register the mark. The mark becomes "dead" in the USPTO database, making it harder to sue for infringement and reducing brand value. While a six-month grace period exists to renew with fees, failure to do so requires a new application.
Is Taylor Swift's name trademarked?
Yes, Taylor Swift’s name is heavily trademarked. Her name, signature, and numerous phrases are registered through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and worldwide to protect her brand across merchandise, music, and entertainment, managed by TAS Rights Management, LLC. As of 2026, she has expanded this to include voice and likeness protection against AI.
Can you lose a trademark if you don't use it?
Not Using Your Trademark
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) considers a trademark abandoned if it's not used in commerce. There are some exceptions – such as temporary periods of non-use – but if you stop using your trademark in your business, the USPTO will cancel or expire your registration.
Can a trademark be renewed as long as the mark is still in use?
How Long Do Trademarks Last? A federal trademark registration lasts 10 years, and it can be renewed indefinitely as long as: The mark stays in use in commerce. You file the required USPTO maintenance/renewal documents on time.
When can a trade mark be renewed?
Trademark registration in the U.S. must be renewed between the 9th and 10th years after registration, and then every 10 years after that. An initial declaration of use is also required between the 5th and 6th years. A six-month grace period exists for late filings with additional fees.
Can I renew my trademark without an attorney?
No. You do not need an attorney to file an application for registration of a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). That being said, you really ought to hire an attorney if you can afford one.
What are common trademark mistakes?
Failure to Consider Potential Scope of Use
A company often fails to consider the scope of use of the mark. The initial plan may be to use a proposed mark in connection with only one or a few products. But as the brand develops there may be a desire to expand the use to related or even unrelated products and services.
How much is a US trademark renewal?
Renewal: Section 9 (Year 10 and Every 10 Years)
As of 2025, the renewal fee is $325 per class. You also need to file another Section 8 declaration of use at the 10-year mark. The USPTO allows these to be filed together as a combined Section 8 & 9 filing. The combined filing fee is $650 per class ($325 for Sec.
How many times can you renew a trademark?
Within six (6) months of expiration of the five (5) years, the mark may be renewed for another five (5) years. The mark may be renewed every five (5) years as long as the mark is in continual use.
How much does a trademark usually cost?
A trademark costs between $350 to $2,500+ per class of goods or services, depending on whether you file yourself or hire a lawyer. The final price depends on government filing fees, the complexity of your application, and professional legal assistance.
Can I renew a dead trademark?
File a Petition to Revive with the USPTO
If your federal application or registration was abandoned due to a missed deadline, you'll need to file a Petition to Revive. Use the USPTO's online TEAS portal. The process requires: A completed petition form.
What is the most recognized trademark?
The most famous trademarks are globally recognized symbols and names, including Coca-Cola, Apple, Nike, Google, and McDonald's, which possess immense brand loyalty and high public awareness across cultures. These marks are legally distinct for their iconic logos, unique slogans, or consistent branding over decades.
Can I put TM on my logo without registering?
Yes, you can use the ™ (trademark) symbol on your logo without registering it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The ™ symbol indicates that you are claiming ownership of a mark based on common law, even if it is not federally registered.